Before you jump into all sorts of programs, make sure you understand what liberation really means. Take some time to study, think things through, and even discuss it with others. Ask yourself: What am I even doing here? What is the point of all this? These days, the internet is full of workshops and courses promising amazing things - mind-body transformations, personal development breakthroughs... you name it. But here is the truth: most of them are just scams designed to lighten your wallet. Be smart, do not fall for their tricks!
Someone might be thinking, 'Will these workshops even be worth it?' Well, there is definitely something to be said for them. If you are not happy at home, constantly squabbling with your spouse, these workshops can be a great escape. You can relax, meet some new faces, and listen to the instructor's... well, let us just say their lectures can be pretty entertaining! It is a good way to unwind and refresh.
Do not get me wrong, these workshops and courses are not the path to Buddhist enlightenment or liberation. They often twist Buddhist teachings to serve their own purposes. But that does not mean there is nothing to be gained. You might hear things like "Relax, open your mind, and communicate freely with others." Sounds great, right? But true free communication? Ask them to hand over their wallet and see how freely they communicate then!
These workshops and courses might give you a temporary feel-good boost, but they are not the same as true liberation. For true liberation, you still need to study and contemplate to understand what liberation really is. This process of studying and contemplating requires effort. Do not get fooled into thinking Buddhism is some easy fix, but do not overthink it either, or you will just psych yourself out. If Buddhism cannot benefit us or lead to our liberation, then Shakyamuni Buddha would be deceiving us, and the Three Jewels would be all frauds. But that is not the case. The Buddha is a truthful speaker, a speaker of reality, and a speaker of what it is.
After decades of Buddhist study and practice, I have genuinely realized something profound: the Buddha never speaks a lie. While others may have good intentions, they can unintentionally mislead us. It is not that they are trying to do so; rather, they lack the awareness to recognize when they are doing so. Only the Buddha can truly embody the virtue of never telling a lie.
Excerpted from:Cognition and Expression Part Two
